Volunteer of the Month: Matt DeAbreu RGD

This October, we thank Matt DeAbreu RGD for contributions to the RGD community.

How long have you been volunteering with the RGD, and in what capacity?

I only started volunteering with the RGD recently, around mid-January of this year. I spent some time exploring which Committee might be the best fit and joined the Membership Committee, since it felt like a natural place for me to contribute. It’s given me an opportunity to bring some of my experience in design, creative direction and idea-building into initiatives that support and engage the broader RGD community.

What contribution are you most proud of, or what experience or memory stands out most for you?

Ohh, great question. I’d have to say helping create a new merch program for the RGD, which is now into its second campaign store this fall. It actually started as a Membership Booth idea, but quickly grew into its own initiative. At my second Membership Committee meeting, we were all pitching ideas and I suggested exploring a print-on-demand shop as a new way to engage with the RGD brand while also creating a potential funding stream for other initiatives.

I love a great tee, and I liked the idea of literally being able to wear the RGD on my sleeve. Getting the green light to partner with Sheree Stephenson RGD, test the idea and launch the first campaign around DesignThinkers Vancouver and the In-House Conference in the spring was amazing and the contribution I’m most proud of! Seeing that initial experiment grow into something we’re now building on for a second campaign has been the most rewarding part so far.

What is the most surprising or unexpected thing about volunteering with the RGD?

The sense of community. I’m only part of the Membership Committee and a handful of virtual communities, but I’ve been surprised by how many people are constantly finding ways to support, connect and keep our wonderfully eclectic design community moving forward.

Since stepping out into my own solo practice, that sense of connection has become even more meaningful. It feels good to contribute to a community that’s evolving alongside the industry, and to be part of helping move it forward.

What have you learned about the industry through your volunteer experience with the RGD?

I’ve learned that the design industry is far more generous and collaborative than it can sometimes appear from the outside. There’s a huge amount of knowledge to share, whether you’re just starting out or have been working in the field for years. There’s always something to learn and someone willing to teach.

I’ve seen that, through my involvement with the RGD more broadly, especially in the Solo Designers Virtual Community, where Sheree Stephenson RGD and Leah Gryfe RGD have created a generous space for people to share experiences, ask questions and genuinely help one another succeed.

Based on your experience, how would you describe the RGD’s role in the industry?

I’d describe the RGD’s role as a “steward of the design industry.” It helps uphold professional standards, advocate for the value of design, connect people across different stages of their careers and create opportunities for the community to learn from one another. If I had to give the RGD a brand archetype, I’d probably describe it as a Citizen brand: grounded in community, participation and a shared responsibility for moving the profession forward. To me, it’s about helping the profession evolve while still protecting the things that give the profession credibility and meaning.

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to other Members who may be considering getting involved?

I’ve gained a deeper and richer relationship with the broader design community. Volunteering has given me a way to contribute beyond my own practice, connect with people at different stages of their careers and feel more actively involved in where the profession is heading. I guess it’s a bit like helping build the plane you also find yourself flying in. That’s also why I’d recommend volunteering to other Members who might be thinking about it.

Are there any volunteer opportunities or initiatives you would like to pursue with the RGD in the future?

I don’t have one specific initiative in mind yet. I’m still pretty new to volunteering, so I’d like to stay open to where I can be most useful. I’m especially interested in ideas that bring Members together, create a stronger sense of connection and give people more ways to participate in the community. For now, I’m pretty happy to leave a little room for the unexpected and see where it leads.